John Skinner's The Expositor's Bible: The Book of Ezekiel is a classic commentary from the late 1800s. It walks readers through one of the Bible's most challenging and visually stunning books.

The Story

Ezekiel was a priest living in Babylon after Jerusalem was conquered. His story starts with an unbelievable vision: a fiery, winged chariot-throne carrying the presence of God. This God gives Ezekiel a heartbreaking job. He must tell his fellow exiles that the destruction of their home city and temple is their own fault, a consequence of turning away from justice and faithfulness. To drive this painful message home, God has Ezekiel act it out in shocking, symbolic ways. He becomes a living sign of siege and exile. Later, when news of Jerusalem's total ruin arrives, his message shifts. From the ashes, he paints a picture of hope—a vision of dry bones coming back to life and a detailed blueprint for a new temple and a restored community. It's a story of judgment, grief, and a stubborn promise of renewal.

Why You Should Read It

What makes Skinner's work stand out is his focus on the human heart of the prophecy. He doesn't get lost in dusty debates. Instead, he connects Ezekiel's ancient drama to universal feelings. Have you ever felt like everything you counted on has crumbled? Have you ever had to deliver a hard truth that nobody wanted to hear? Skinner shows us Ezekiel in that exact spot. He treats the prophet not just as a mouthpiece, but as a person wrestling with a massive, lonely calling. Skinner is great at untangling the bizarre visions and actions, explaining their symbolic punch to the original audience. He argues that Ezekiel's core message is about personal responsibility and the possibility of a fresh start, even when all seems lost. It's about God's presence not being locked in one place, but being with people even in their failure and despair.

Final Verdict

This is a perfect pick for a curious reader who wants to go deeper into the Old Testament but finds modern academic commentaries too dense or dry. It's for the person who reads the strange stories of the prophets and thinks, 'What on earth is going on here, and what does it have to do with me?' Skinner's writing, while over a hundred years old, is clear and thoughtful. It feels like having a patient, knowledgeable guide. You won't get flashy applications or simple life lessons, but you will get a compelling, compassionate look at one of the Bible's most complex figures. If you're up for a thoughtful, slightly old-fashioned journey through a book of wild visions and profound hope, Skinner's Ezekiel is a rewarding companion.